It is my understanding that the postal rates for first class mail and flat rate priority mail are the same for ALL US addresses - to ALL other US addresses - including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and other US protectorates.

Is this correct?

I believe that flat rate is the same to all US Addresses. A first class letter is the same but if you send a small package it can be different depending on the zip code, I think! If it is priority but not flat rate there is a difference. I can remember that some tax returns we sent out ever a different amount for some zip codes, even when they weighed the same. That was for large envelopes that were over 13 oz (but didn't fit in the flat rate envelope)

call your local post office- they will answer postage questions.

As far as I can tell, most shipping (not only mail) is based on weight and distance - and in some cases, bulk/mass is also a factor.

They have a website that can answer all your question.

usps.com

It appears that there is only one phone number to contact:

1-800-275-8777
1-800-ASK-USPS

There are also two levels of Flat Rate Priority. They have a regional rate now. The boxes and postage are only available online. For shorter distances, it is much less than normal priority rates.

this is what i rely on

Same here!

http://reviews.ebay.com/WTH-How-To-U...00000021146713

Some relatively understandable info.

Answering your specific question, yes, first class mail and priority mail flat rate container charges are the same for all USA addresses, i.e. anything that has a USA zipcode. All other classes are based on weight and distance.

What brought the question up in my mind -

Some sellers say "will ship only to the contiguous 48 (USA) states" and I was wondering why the limitation for items like fabrics?

I can understand the restrictions on items like sewing machines, steam shovels, etc.

flat rate boxes all cost the same regardless of where they are going- regular packaging going priority or first class mail is based on zip code, weight and size of the package....only the flat rates are the same---they come in small- 2 different shaped mediums and a large. $6.95, $10.95 & $14.95

Oh, boy... I can't remember the last time I ordered a steam shovel! :wink:

If the seller ships by UPS or FedEx, even ground shipping would be prohibitively expensive. I just ran a rate quote on Fedex ground shipping to from here in NY to Alaska zipcode 99509 (which might be Anchorage, I'm not sure). For a package the size of a flat-rate envelope, it would cost $32.53. I didn't bother to check what it would be to Hawaii.

There is a Regional Flat Rate. It's available only online and postage must be paid online. Here's the link to it. It saves me a ton over regular flat rate.

https://www.usps.com/business/priori...ional-rate.htm

http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/.../Notice123.pdf

Here is another rate sheet from USPS -

Flat rates are on page 3

You can order supplies here

https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/sto...egory=10000002

Thank you.

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As far as I know, flat rate boxes are all the same price as long as it's for anywhere in the U.S. (Hawaii and Alaska included) or U.S. territories. The price for foreign flat rate boxes are different priced compared to U.S. and I also believe there might be a restriction on how much weight it is. As far as flat rate boxes to U.S., I believe it's no heavier than 70 (yes, 70) pounds. So don't go mailing bricks or gold bars. LOL

Regular postage prices will vary once it's determined where you are mailing to; such as if the parcel is being mailed to someone in your own state. If it's outside of your state, then I think the price will then then be charged as Zone 8???

And yes, I often wonder why some sellers say "contiguous U.S."....if mailed to Hawaii or Alaska in a flat rate box or flat rate envelope...then it's the same price as if it were going to California. There is no difference in price there.

My guess is that it is a carry-over from the day when things were more likely to be shipped via UPS or FedEx.

That said... the sellers who mention "the contiguous 48" may well be shipping items which will not fit in flat-rate containers, in which case the shipping costs change dramatically, especially if they are shipping to Alaska or Hawaii.

First class parcels - up to 13 ounces - also have a "flat rate" pricing for mailing from and to a USA address.